Thursday, April 5, 2012

YES !

Yesterday I was at Millrose cottage in Ballan, teaching a beginners class with a difference.

Do I even need to talk about how beautiful this shop is?

I’ll admit to being a bit nervous about my first attempt at teaching kids – yes I work in a primary school but I am not a teacher. What if they got bored? or if the day was too long? What if someone died in a bizarre sewing machine related tragedy? (I do tend to melodrama when I'm anxious)

Pfft, These little rock stars showed me a thing or two I can tell you. They were totally focused. They cut, sewed, and even embroidered! I was so impressed. We had four Big Topics to cover and they probably got sick of the sound of my voice but I’m sure they can all tell you all about Right Sides Together, Back tacking, Basting and the Softie Sandwich.In fact, they probably had nightmares about it last night- I do tend to bang on.

Yes we had assistants (parent and grandparents) with us but the kids did everything , even the bits I was sure they would not want to do, like embroidering the mouth. They owned that dog! Obviously I lucked out with an awesome bunch of kids and a couple of them were already skilled up, but one new friend went from almost zero experience, to a completed dog. There was lots of laughter, there were a few “Uh-oh jodie, that bit went weird” and “I can’t sew through my eyeball mess” but it really was fun. Yes, we lagged a bit in the afternoon but once we got to stuffing that dog and the end was in sight everyone perked up and those ears were not even a challenge.

Do you remember my little rant when I first designed these beginner patterns ?

41 comments:

FANTASTIC!!!!! I am more than impressed and thrilled that this all worked - for you and the kids :)Thanks for the link back to your 2011 post - what a breath of fresh air. Would love to talk to you more about all this......Maybe a trip back to Ballarat should be factored in (Via Ballan by the look of that gorgeous store)CheersKathy

That is absolutely fantastic! What a wonderful job the kids did and what a great teacher you must be. My daughter and I are doing some more work on her Sally dog today (she is 8 years old) and it is such a great pattern for beginners.

Jodie, Jodie, Jodie....what can we say? Lucy and I just had the most special day with you and Lucy (the one with almost zero experience) absolutely cannot believe she made little Dotty (her version of Sally). To say this was one of the best girl days we have had together EVER, would be an understatement!!

Your pattern and class preparation was superb, the venue sublime and how good was the lunch?? We both learnt so much and Lucy is completely inspired to keep sewing ALL THE TIME!

Thank you so very much for the wonderful experience that we shared - can't wait til next holidays!! ;0) xx

Ahhh, a fantastic day, we both had a ball! I'm still banging on about it...and still can't believe she listened to you! as I know NOTHING apparently teehee. The afternoon tea sure helped, and thanks to all the food, a quick dinner and bed. Thanks for a whole day of too much fun!

In Ballan??? Kid's classes with you as the teacher???How did I not know this? BUM!!!My kids woulda loved it.I might have to call them and put my name on a mailing list or something.And the doggies look brilliant.

So so fabulous, luckiest children on earth!! How fantastic are the finished results. I loathe any class where you are sent away without a finished product, congratulations to you & the clever children, just wonderful Jodie, love Posie